10 Best Abandonware Games - Investment Policy

Today, we find ourselves in an era where countless games can be bought instantly, right from our own homes, with just a few clicks. However, this convenience raises a question: What happens to games that may not receive the attention they deserve amidst the sea of options available?

Many cherished books or movies disappear from physical and digital storefronts, becoming extremely hard to find using traditional methods. These scarcities may arise from licensing complications, which is frustrating given the quality of certain overlooked masterpieces.

Here’s a selection of the best; we can keep our fingers crossed that they may return someday.

As a gamer, I’d put it this way: I’m referring to ‘Abandonware‘ as any game that can no longer be purchased directly from stores or digital platforms. Games that have been remastered, such as Powerslave Exhumed, are not considered Abandonware because they’re still available in some form.

10. Gitaroo Man Lives!

Oooh Yeah!

Gitaroo Man is a hidden rhythm game gem on the PSP, starring our plucky guitar-wielding hero, U1.

The title offers an unexpectedly good narrative for a rhythm game and boasts some fantastic tracks to match. Each track is divided into levels, where one plays like a traditional rhythm game, while another requires precise movement of the analog stick on the PSP or the controller’s stick on the PS2 to trace a line accurately.

Unfortunately, the brilliant masterwork from Koei never received a follow-up game. What’s even more disappointing is that it didn’t receive a remaster either, which means playing it legally now requires the original hardware.

Instead, I’d usually recommend you listen to the soundtrack on YouTube, but keep in mind that doing so might stir up feelings of disappointment as the game it comes from is no longer playable for you.

9. Blur

The Forgotten Racer You Never Played

Blur, a hidden gem from the 360 era, was a sleek and swift racing game. Unfortunately, it vanished from online stores together with the console.

In most genres, weapons and guns are usually found in racing games set in the present or futuristic settings like Wipeout. Blur stood out with its blend of modern vehicles, featuring power-ups that could be conveniently lined up on the back bumper.

Racing games often include weapons and guns, but they’re more common in genres like Kart or futuristic ones such as Wipeout. Blur, however, offered a unique mix of contemporary cars equipped with power-ups that could be placed strategically on the rear bumper.

Even though the tracks in the game were based on real-world locations, and with a roster of twenty cars per race ensuring non-stop action, Split/Second was launched in 2010, making it difficult for Blur to stand out during the same period. However, at least you can still find and purchase the former game today.

In 2013, the game Blur was abruptly removed from Steam, probably because of licensing problems. Now, it can’t be played without the original disc on a PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 console.

8. Yu-Gi-Oh! Tag Force 5

Move Over, Master Duel

Konami’s Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel generates substantial revenue, providing an engaging multiplayer Trading Card Game (TCG) where players can continually purchase booster packs.

For beginners seeking to grasp the fundamentals of the game, these Tag Force series on the PSP offer an unparalleled single-player Yu-Gi-Oh! experience.

Each title boasts countless cards, an impressive deck customizer, and numerous adversaries to challenge, all featuring distinct decks.

In addition to their other features, the “Tag Force” games incorporate elements reminiscent of casual dating simulators, infused with a geeky Trading Card Game flavor. These elements offer rewarding unlocks, and you amass in-game currency through victories which can be used to acquire additional cards and strengthen your collection.

Sadly, they don’t make card games like this anymore, and you’ll miss out without a Sony PSP.

7. Condemned 2: Bloodshot

Bloody And Brutal

In the “Condemned” series, you assume the role of tenacious detective Ethan Thomas, who finds himself on a chilling journey, slipping into madness while pursuing an elusive, expertly cunning serial murderer.

In the first-person horror genre, Condemned 2: Bloodshot offers gruesome hand-to-hand combat using makeshift weapons like corroded pipes. Though firearms are available, they come with scarce ammunition, compelling you to engage in tense encounters with demented lawbreakers at close range.

What sets Condemned 2 apart is its engaging detective sequences, where you’ll need to examine various crime scenes meticulously to avoid making mistakes. Additionally, the game often delves into psychological horror, featuring a chilling mannequin scene that I won’t reveal to preserve the surprise.

Regrettably, Condemned 2: Bloodshot didn’t make it to a PC release and now primarily exists in the annals of gaming history on the PS3 and Xbox 360 platforms.

6. The Operative: No One Lives Forever

Are You Insulting My Monkey?

I see No One Lives Forever appear in almost every subreddit, reminiscing about forgotten classics.

In a setting reminiscent of classic James Bond films, “No One Lives Forever” presents a distinctive first-person shooter experience. You assume the role of Cate Archer, a covert agent, tasked with thwarting the evil organization called HARM.

Instead of the numerous violent or dark shooter games from the early 2000s, No One Lives Forever stands out as vibrant, tidy, and filled with a heaping dose of clever humor. It also features surprisingly captivating characters, both good and evil.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but reminisce about the thrilling sequel to my favorite game, “A Spy In H.A.R.M.S Way.” Picking up right where the original ended, this action-packed shooter formed an unbeatable pair that, unfortunately, is quite hard to find legally these days.

5. Import Tuner Challenge

For Street Racing Enthusiasts

I’ve been on a street racing binge lately, thanks to the brilliant Tokyo Xtreme Racer.

After conducting some investigations, it was discovered that Genki, the creator, developed a game quite alike to what is known as Import Tuner Challenge for Xbox 360. Subsequently, I ended up spending quite a lot to acquire a real copy on Ebay…

The “Import Tuner Challenge” is a sleek, urban racing game that invites players to tinker with customizations to discover ideal settings tailored to their preferences. It allows you to adjust your car’s setup for an unyielding grip on the road or make it drift effortlessly around turns.

This gadget is technically complex, yet user-friendly enough for beginners to play with and enjoy. I find it hard to comprehend why such an amazing racing toy isn’t sold on any popular online marketplaces.

4. Black & White 1&2

The God Simulator

Gamers who played PC games in the early 2000s often look back fondly on the game titled “Black and White“, a game that made tough choices meaningful, a concept that was ahead of its time.

In simpler terms, the game “Black and White” could be described as something akin to a ‘simulation of a divine being.’ While it may sound overly dramatic, this term seems most fitting for the experience. In this game, you assume the role of a deity, and your actions determine how your followers perceive you. You have the liberty to play however you wish, with both beneficial and harmful actions shaping the way your believers view you.

As a die-hard fan, let me tell you that the original “Black and White” game left an indelible mark on me, and its sequel from 2005 took it to new heights. However, delving into the rumors surrounding why we haven’t seen a “Black and White 3” yet is like tumbling down a rabbit hole of speculation.

It’s puzzling that the originals haven’t been re-released with updated versions, given how profitable such projects can be.

3. Lemmings

Before Pikmin Was Cool

The “Lemmings” series, which is known for its unique puzzle challenges, remains relatively overlooked even though it has been released on various gaming platforms under different titles.

In essence, Lemmings shares many similarities with Pikmin, as both games involve managing an army of characters – green-haired Lemmings and colorful Pikmin respectively – to navigate through hazardous levels. Notably, strategic thinking is crucial as you must control your units in real-time, employing different roles for each member to ensure their survival and progression.

Regrettably, sometimes you’ll have to make a compromise for the greater benefit. For instance, you might need to knock down a wall if blowing it up is the only way to pass through. The Lemmings game series presents many intricate puzzles, and it even delved into three-dimensional challenges on the PS1.

Man, I can’t believe it! This old-school brainteaser that I adore isn’t even on Steam. It just seems like such a perfect fit for PC gaming, especially with a mouse, and it could also be amazing as a mobile game.

2. Pokémon Pinball Ruby & Sapphire

I Want This As A Real Pinball Table

As an avid gamer, I’ve pondered over the reasons behind many titles on this roster potentially being abandonware. Yet, there’s one game here that leaves me utterly baffled – I just can’t wrap my head around why it seems inexplicable!

Pokemon Pinball stands out as one of the top games for the Game Boy Color, brilliantly translating the captivating essence of the primary series into a pinball setup. Nintendo struck gold twice with the Game Boy Advance version, Pokemon Pinball: Ruby and Sapphire, significantly enhancing upon the original in nearly every aspect.

Afterward, just as if by enchantment, the series vanished. Nintendo often makes puzzling decisions regarding their classics, but it seems ideal that Pokémon Pinball could fit seamlessly on the Switch in handheld mode. With so many Pokémons around nowadays, the series is yearning for a fresh game.

Currently, you can’t legally play Pokémon Pinball unless you still possess the original game cartridge, and its battery has not yet expired.

1. The Simpsons Hit & Run

The Best Simpsons Game And It’s Not Even Close

I hold a special fondness for the video game titled “The Simpsons Hit & Run“, and I’ve been known to play it with great enthusiasm, even participating in speed runs. In simpler terms, for those not familiar, “Simpsons Hit & Run” is an adventure driving game that takes place within the town of Springfield.

In this captivating gaming experience, I find myself stepping into the shoes of various iconic characters, with my beloved favorites right at my fingertips. I race against Smithers to reach the Power Plant, and even sneak back stolen goods from the Flanders family, adding a touch of mischief to the tale. Every member of the Simpsons family plays a significant part in shaping this engaging storyline, making each moment feel like a piece of the larger puzzle.

You even play an entire chapter as Apu in his souped-up sports car!

The game offers an abundance of maps and vehicles to ensure varied gameplay, and it’s filled with the signature wit that The Simpsons are famous for. The car handling might be a tad awkward, but that adds to its endearing quality.

Without a doubt, it’s the top-notch Simpsons game out there, which makes it all the more disappointing that it hasn’t been released since 2003.

2025-03-12 18:11